SOCIAL dialogue serves as a crucial mechanism through which workers, employers, and governments can communicate, negotiate, and collaborate on labor-related issues.
In Zimbabwe, like in many parts of the world, the informal economy plays a substantial role in employment and livelihoods, yet it is often overlooked in formal dialogue platforms.
Given the increasing significance of the informal economy, it is essential to include these workers in social dialogue initiatives.
This article explores the importance of incorporating the informal economy in Zimbabwe's social dialogue platform by drawing on examples from other jurisdictions in the region and globally, as well as looking into the successful model of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) in South Africa.
The informal economy refers to economic activities that occur outside the formal labor market.
This includes street vendors, small-scale farmers, casual laborers, and a host of other individuals who contribute significantly to the economy but lack legal protections and formal recognition.
In Zimbabwe, the informal sector has become a crucial component of the economy, especially in light of economic challenges such as limited opportunities in the formal job market.
As per estimates, over 90% of the workforce in Zimbabwe is engaged in informal activities. However, despite their substantial contribution, informal economy workers often remain marginalized in decision-making processes, leading to inadequate representation of their rights and interests in social dialogue platforms.
One of the key benefits of including informal economy workers in social dialogue is the potential for improved economic policies that accurately reflect the realities of workers' lives.
Consultation with informal workers can shed light on unique challenges they face, such as lack of access to social protection, flimsy financial inclusion, limited access to markets, unstable income, and limited labor rights to mention a few.
By engaging with these workers, policymakers can formulate more inclusive strategies that accommodate the diverse needs of all employees, ultimately leading to improved economic resilience.
For instance, a successful model to look to is found in South Africa's Nedlac.
Established in 1995, Nedlac is a platform that brings together representatives from the government, business, and labor organizations, including various informal worker associations.
This platform exemplifies a collaborative approach to social dialogue where all stakeholders have a voice.
Recently, Nedlac has focused on policy responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that informal workers are included in economic relief measures that were developed to support those impacted by the crisis.
This coalition effort demonstrates the necessity of collaboration across various sectors and highlights the positive outcomes that can emerge from including informal workers in discussions.
In contrast, the absence of such a platform in Zimbabwe hampers the capacity of informal economy workers to advocate for their rights effectively.
Without a structured social dialogue framework, these workers tend to remain invisible to policymakers, which perpetuates their vulnerability to exploitation and economic instability.
For example, informal vendors often face harassment from local authorities and police, leading to frequent confiscation of their goods or fines.
By incorporating these workers into social dialogue, such abuses can be addressed, and policy changes can be implemented to protect their rights and create a more equitable working environment.
Looking beyond South Africa, various global initiatives underline the significance of social dialogue in addressing the concerns of informal workers.
In countries like Brazil and India, social dialogue frameworks have successfully integrated informal economy representatives into policymaking processes.
In Brazil, the National Forum of Informal Workers and Social Movements has worked to advocate for the rights of informal workers, leading to legislative changes that offer better social protection and labor rights.
The recognition of informal workers as vital contributors to the economy in Brazil has paved the way for policies that are sensitive to their specific needs, including access to credit and health services.
Similarly, in India, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (Sewa) represents women engaged in informal work, ensuring their voices are heard in economic discussions.
By advocating for the recognition of informal work and the rights of these workers, Sewa has successfully influenced policies that provide healthcare, training, and fair wages to its members.
This grassroots approach illustrates the tangible benefits of integrating informal workers into formal social dialogue frameworks.
The involvement of informal economy workers in social dialogue is not just a matter of representation; it is about recognising the diversity of the workforce and ensuring their voices are valued in shaping economic policies.
Zimbabwe can learn from these examples and foster a social dialogue platform that genuinely includes informal workers, thereby empowering them to advocate for their rights and improve their livelihoods.
It is also important to note that engaging informal workers in social dialogue can lead to innovative solutions to economic challenges. Informal workers often possess unique insights and local knowledge that can inform policy decisions.
Their direct experiences with market dynamics, consumer needs, and labor market conditions can drive the creation of targeted interventions that enhance economic development.
For instance, when informal workers had a seat at the table during discussions on urban planning in cities around the world, it led to the establishment of markets that cater to their needs while also promoting public safety and orderly urban development.
Moreover, the inclusion of informal workers in Zimbabwe’s social dialogue can reinforce their bargaining power, leading to improved economic conditions.
As these workers unite and advocate for collective interests, they can negotiate better wages, working conditions, and access to essential services.
This, in turn, strengthens the social fabric and promotes a culture of mutual respect and understanding between different economic actors, which is essential for achieving lasting economic and social development.
To facilitate the inclusion of informal workers in social dialogue platforms in Zimbabwe, several steps can be taken.
First, there is a need to formalise representation structures within the informal economy.
This can be achieved by recognizing and supporting existing associations of informal workers to ensure they have a platform to voice their opinions and concerns.
Additionally, training initiatives focusing on advocacy and negotiation skills could empower informal workers to engage effectively in social dialogue.
Second, creating partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, and informal worker associations can promote collaborative efforts to address the vulnerabilities of informal workers.
By establishing such partnerships, stakeholders can jointly identify and implement policies that address the realities facing this workforce, including measures for social protection, access to finance, business linkages and access to public services.
Lastly, leveraging technology can enhance the inclusion of informal workers in social dialogue.
Mobile applications and social media platforms can serve as powerful tools for communication and organising, allowing informal workers to mobilize, share experiences, and engage with policymakers.
These digital platforms can also facilitate real-time feedback on policies or initiatives, making the dialogue process more dynamic and responsive.
In conclusion, the inclusion of the informal economy in Zimbabwe's social dialogue platform is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic imperative.
Examples from various jurisdictions, including Nedlac in South Africa, illustrate that meaningful inclusion leads to more equitable policies, enhanced rights for informal workers, and innovative solutions to economic challenges.
By recognising the contributions of informal economy workers and integrating their voices into formal dialogue structures, Zimbabwe can pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient economy.
It is time to acknowledge the significance of the informal economy and harness its potential through meaningful social dialogue, ultimately promoting economic empowerment and social cohesion.
* Samuel Wadzai is an informal economy expert and currently the executive director for the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (Viset), He holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources Development, Feedback: Email address: swadzai@visetonline.org.
These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Private) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. Email: kadenge.zes@gmail.com or Mobile No. +263 772 382 852